BNP has drafted a proposal for the July Uprising declaration and is consulting allied parties for consensus before finalizing it. While BNP acknowledges the student movement’s efforts, differences exist in terminology and approach. BNP refers to the Liberation War as “Muktijuddho,” while students call it “Jonojuddho.” Students demand constitutional reforms before elections, whereas BNP prioritizes elections first. Both emphasize justice for past crimes but differ on scope. BNP plans to finalize the declaration after further discussions with allies.

While recovering in a Paris hospital after surgery, Dr. Muhammad Yunus received a call from student leaders urging him to form the interim government in Bangladesh after the ousting of Sheikh Hasina. Despite initial reluctance, he eventually agreed to take on the role. Days later, Dr. Yunus learned of his new position from the media and was escorted by the French military to return to Bangladesh, where he addressed the nation and called for unity and peace.

In Kochi, Kerala, 27 Bangladeshis were arrested for illegal residency following an overnight operation by Kerala Police and India’s Anti-Terrorism Squad. The suspects, found with Bangladeshi national IDs and passports, could not provide valid Indian residency documents. A total of 54 individuals were arrested in the operation. This action is part of a broader crackdown on Bangladeshis living unlawfully in various parts of India. Earlier, two Bangladeshis were arrested in Versova, Maharashtra.

In the Brahmanbaria Lawyers’ Association election, the BNP-backed Lawyers’ Forum suffered a heavy defeat, winning only 3 out of 15 contested positions. Independent candidate A.K.M. Kamruzzaman Mamun was elected President, while Mofizur Rahman Babul of the Bangabandhu Awami Lawyers’ Council won General Secretary. Other Awami-backed candidates dominated the elections, with no competition for the President position from the Awami camp. A total of 13 positions were contested, with various candidates winning including Shamsul Haque Liton and Ashraful Islam Khan.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Dhaka Metropolitan branch organized a mass rally demanding justice for those involved in the July massacre and protesting the government’s alleged crimes, including enforced disappearances, killings, and corruption. The rally commenced after Jumu’ah prayers from Baitul Mukarram’s north gate and moved through Paltan, the National Press Club, and Matsya Bhaban before concluding at Shahbagh. Central Shibir leaders participated, chanting slogans against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Law enforcement took strict measures to monitor and control the rally’s progress.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, emphasized that students are forming political parties not for personal ambitions but to safeguard the achievements of the nation. Speaking at a podcast hosted by Financial Times, Yunus warned that without student involvement, vested interests could take control, repeating past political patterns. He expressed confidence in the students’ readiness to organize nationwide campaigns. He also discussed the importance of maintaining national unity in the upcoming elections.

BNP’s Senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi condemned the Awami League’s call for a general strike, claiming that people are waiting for the party’s punishment instead. He highlighted ongoing injustice, mentioning incidents like the shooting of Ahnaf under Sheikh Hasina’s orders. Rizvi criticized law enforcement for failing to act against criminals and accused figures like Salman F. Rahman of corruption. He demanded swift justice for corrupt leaders and claimed that Sheikh Hasina and her children were part of a corrupt system.

A BNP delegation, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, attended a breakfast meeting hosted by U.S. Charge d’Affaires Tracy Ann Jacobson at her Gulshan residence on Thursday (January 30) at 10 AM. BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan confirmed the meeting. Senior BNP leaders, including Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Shama Obaed, participated in discussions. Additionally, two senior U.S. Embassy political officials were present at the event, highlighting ongoing diplomatic engagement between BNP and the U.S. mission in Dhaka.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Interim Government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed optimism about reaching a political consensus on the July Declaration soon. The government expects this to happen by next week. The declaration, originally set for announcement on December 31 by student and civic groups, is now being finalized by the government. An all-party dialogue was held on January 16, and stakeholders were invited to submit opinions by January 23. The government aims to conclude discussions by early February.

Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion to relocate Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz declared that expelling Palestinians from Gaza would be “unacceptable.” Scholz reaffirmed his support for a two-state solution, stating that the Palestinian Authority should assume responsibility for Gaza. He emphasized that peace is only achievable through self-governance in Gaza, and that attempts to achieve peace without West Bank and Gaza autonomy are unlikely to succeed.

BNP is set to finalize the revised July Revolution Declaration, originally drafted by students, emphasizing the Liberation War as Bangladesh’s foundation. The party aims to modify and discuss the document with allies before presenting it to the government. Additionally, BNP plans February programs to reduce commodity prices ahead of Ramadan and demand electoral reforms. The party is pushing for early elections by July-August 2025, rejecting the government’s proposed timeline of December 2025-June 2026, considering it too long.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has demanded elections on August 5 to mark the historic mass uprising that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Speaking at a discussion on media and journalism, he emphasized the urgency of holding elections after electoral and institutional reforms. He also criticized delays and called for swift political consultations. Gana Odhikar Parishad’s Nurul Haque Nur urged unity and fast elections, warning that failure to act could worsen the situation.

A violent clash erupted in Rupganj’s Sawghat area over a dispute regarding a warehouse. Supporters of Selim Pradhan and Mujibur Rahman, backed by Chhatra Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal factions, respectively, engaged in gunfire and vandalism, leaving 20 injured, including two gunshot victims. Several motorcycles and vehicles were set ablaze. Police and local authorities inspected the site, but no arrests or formal complaints have been made yet. Officials plan to seek a court ruling to resolve the warehouse ownership conflict.

BNP’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, stated that betraying the people’s trust will lead to consequences, referencing August 5 as a warning. Speaking at a workshop in Khulna, he urged BNP leaders to prioritize public interest and deliver the party’s 31-point plan to every household. He emphasized unity beyond religion or caste, advocating equal rights for all Bangladeshis. Tarique promised reforms to constitutional structures and initiatives for economic prosperity if BNP comes to power, warning against political discrimination and the damages caused by autocratic regimes.

The U.S. Department of the Interior has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, acknowledging the shared coastline between Mexico and the U.S. Google Maps will adopt this new name, but in Mexico, it will remain the Gulf of Mexico. Outside North America, both names—Gulf of Mexico and Gulf of America—will be displayed. This decision follows other name changes, such as the renaming of Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), and reflects the evolving dynamics of geographic naming in the region.